Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Giving Thanks

It has been a while since I posted a blog because we were gone to Springfield for the Thanksgiving Holidays, and Bill had to use both computers to catch up on the class he teaches for GCU when we returned.

We took Mom with us to Springfield last Thursday morning. It had rained during the night, but was sunny and beautiful as we drove. When we reached the Springfield city limits we noticed cars driving toward us that were covered with snow. Soon, we also were driving in light snow. We enjoyed the snow falling for a few hours.

When it was time to go out for dinner, Noel said he didn't feel well enough to go, but insisted that we continue with our plans while he stayed home to sleep. Mom said she would stay with him. So, Galen, Sondra, Janice, Mark, Bill and I went to Golden Corral. However, when we arrived we noticed that the parking lot was completely filled and there was a line going out the door. We all agreed that we were NOT interested in joining the crowd. It didn't take long to decide to go to Applebee's which was across the road. There was no waiting there! We had chcken, steaks, appetizers, salads and much more. We didn't miss the turkey at all. That evening, we ate pies that Sondra had made and opened some Christmas gifts. Noel was feeling better by then.

On Friday, Galen and Sondra left to go back to Jason's in Oklahoma. In the afternoon, Bill drove the rest of us in Noel's mini van to Branson. We checked into the Ramada Inn which was across the street from Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede. We had reserved tickets for the Christmas Show. Again, Noel did not feel like going and stayed at the hotel. The rest of us went to the show which featured a huge chicken dinner that you eat with your hands. Mark hated that and tried to use two toothpicks which didn't work! The Dixie Stampede Christmas show must be one of the best in Branson! It was our second time to go, and both times there were one thousand people. It is a mix of Las Vegas and Hollywood and is extremely well organized!!! We thought the live nativity was fantastic. It was so beautiful, regal, and done with dignity. I saw many people wiping away tears.

We drove back to Springfield on Saturday morning, and went to the Battlefield Mall in the afternoon. We got excited when we noticed The Body Shop. They had a special, so we stocked up!

On Sunday, Bill and I took Mark with us to the Ridgecrest Baptist Church on Republic Avenue. It is relatively close to Noel and Janice's home. That church has it together! Wow! We loved the orchestra, the duet, the quartet, the congregational singing and the message. We were so impressed with the presentation. I felt like I was at Glorieta. I was reminded that I have so much to be grateful for. I have a great family, and more blessings than I deserve! Thank you, Lord! The problems of this past year are nothing compared to what I have in Christ.

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